G-Cloud 4 launched

The G-Cloud team has confirmed the launch and timetable of the next procurement round for applications to join G-Cloud 4.

The launch has implications for G-Cloud ii and G-Cloud iii suppliers and for those interested in Agile development and management.

G-Cloud ii suppliers who are currently only on the Gii framework should apply to G-Cloud 4 to ensure continuity for their services as the Gii framework will expire on 27 October. G-Cloud iii suppliers can choose to stay on the Giii framework which is running until May 2014 or carry forward all or some of their services to G-Cloud 4.

In addition, the G-Cloud team has said that the Digital Services Framework will allow government customers to commission bespoke digital services via the Government Digital Service and the Government Procurement Service (GDS/GPS).

Current and new suppliers can continue to offer all the services under Lot 4 Specialist Cloud Services (SCS) under G-Cloud except under the category ‘Agile: development and management’, which, the G-Cloud team said, has been removed to streamline the way services are displayed on the CloudStore to make it easier for buyers to find the appropriate services for their needs.

Existing G-Cloud and new providers of commodity-based development services can choose to submit under alternative categories of Lot 4 SCS. The G-Cloud team has also said it may revise the future scope of ICT procurements as part of an ongoing review of user needs.

Key dates include:

6th Aug 2013 – Publication of the OJEU Contract Notice

6th Aug 2013 – Clarification period starts and eSourcing portal opens

4th September 2013 – Clarification period closes

13th September 2013 – Deadline for the publication of responses to Clarification questions